1918 Amour, nu, Arlequin et Pierrot jouant de la guitare Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The drawing presents a scene populated by figures recognizable as archetypal characters from commedia dellarte: Arlequin, Pierrot, and a nude figure seemingly embodying Amor or Cupid. The composition is tightly packed, creating a sense of immediacy and perhaps even claustrophobia. A central dynamic unfolds between Arlequin and Pierrot; the former gestures emphatically towards the latter who sits and plays a guitar. This interaction suggests a narrative moment – perhaps an argument, a challenge, or a playful exchange – though the precise nature remains ambiguous.
The nude figure, positioned to the left of the composition, appears to be observing the scene with a mixture of amusement and perhaps detached curiosity. The artist has rendered this figure with a degree of anatomical distortion characteristic of the period’s artistic explorations. A smaller, partially obscured figure is visible near the left edge; its posture suggests vulnerability or submission.
The drawings monochromatic palette emphasizes line and form over coloristic nuance. This stylistic choice contributes to a sense of starkness and emotional intensity. The lines themselves are fluid and expressive, conveying movement and psychological states rather than precise anatomical detail. There is an intentional roughness in the execution; hatching and cross-hatching create tonal variations but also contribute to a feeling of spontaneity.
Subtexts within this drawing seem to revolve around themes of love, performance, and perhaps disillusionment. The presence of Amor suggests a commentary on romantic ideals, while the commedia dellarte characters – traditionally associated with humor and satire – might be interpreted as representing societal roles or human foibles. The gesture of Arlequin could signify an attempt at dominance or control within this dynamic, countered by Pierrot’s seemingly passive musicality. The overall impression is one of a fleeting moment captured in a state of emotional tension, hinting at underlying complexities beyond the surface level of theatrical performance.